SmartRTSPQuick answer
Use the DHCP lease table or AXIS IP Utility to find an Axis camera’s current address. AXIS Device Manager supports larger installations. Without DHCP, the fallback depends on AXIS OS: current Axis documentation distinguishes link-local addressing on AXIS OS 12.0 and later from older fixed-address behavior.
Check DHCP before a factory address
Most managed home and office networks assign addresses through DHCP. Match the camera’s MAC address or serial number with its label and the DHCP server records. The currently assigned address is the one to verify, even when an older installation guide mentions a familiar factory number.
Axis documentation now distinguishes AXIS OS versions when no DHCP server is available. AXIS OS 12.0 and later use the 169.254.0.0/16 link-local range; AXIS OS 11.11 and earlier commonly use 192.168.0.90/24. Exact behavior can also depend on the product, so check the current model documentation. Factory addresses are model- and firmware-dependent, not universal, and neither fallback describes a device that already received a DHCP lease.
Discover the camera with Axis tools
AXIS IP Utility is a Windows tool for finding devices and assigning network parameters. AXIS Device Manager adds administration features useful for multiple devices. Run discovery on the required physical network segment and confirm the full identity before changing an address.
Steps
- Connect camera power and Ethernet, and place the discovery computer on the same physical segment.
- Start AXIS IP Utility or the supported AXIS Device Manager workflow and allow device discovery to finish.
- Match the serial number, MAC address and product name to your installation record.
- Open the device from the tool or use the confirmed address in a supported browser. Follow the product’s first-login and password instructions.
Verify access and prepare the stream
If the device is listed but the browser cannot reach it, compare the computer’s subnet with the device address. Link-local addresses are intended for local-link communication and are not a substitute for a planned routed address. Ask the network administrator to supply suitable settings rather than moving a production camera into a guessed range.
After access works, reserve or document a stable address and create a suitable limited viewing account where supported. Check the model’s streaming configuration before adding it to SmartRTSP. An Axis web login, an RTSP stream and ONVIF access can involve different configuration requirements. Verify live video using the chosen method and do not interpret a discovered IP address as evidence that every camera feature is available in the viewer.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my Axis camera not at 192.168.0.90?
It may have a DHCP lease, a configured static address or newer AXIS OS fallback behavior. Discover its actual current address.
Can I find the address without a Windows computer?
Check the DHCP server’s leases from an authorized device, or use the alternatives documented for the camera and your environment. AXIS IP Utility itself is a Windows tool.
Does assigning an IP configure ONVIF too?
No. Review the model’s ONVIF and user setup separately, then verify the intended connection in the viewer.